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Putin on alleged U.S. election interference: I don't care

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So all it takes to win the US presidency is 13 fake facebook accounts.

What a laugh.

Just be glad that president trump feels the same as you Russians and can’t be bothered to do anything.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

"Maybe they are not even Russians, but Ukrainians, Tatars or Jews, but with Russian citizenship, which should also be checked," he said.

Now that Putin’s come out and said who ‘they’ might be, GoTrumpers and those who claim Russian ‘meddling’ in support of Trump and the GOP wasn’t a problem can stop using dogwhistle terms like ‘cabal’, ‘globalists’, ‘international bankers’, among others. 

Putin, a man who purports to be a Christian and a conservative, a man many GoTrumpers have long said they admire, has pointed a finger at a group his nation’s most admired man Stalin wanted ‘purged’ (along with others), a group specifically targeted by the leader of the nation Stalin eventually came to help defeat. 

The alt reich are back. 1930’s redux.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalin_and_antisemitism

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Favorability ratings for Putin amongst Republicans is up 20% in the past couple of years. They love the guy.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

SuperLibToday  09:22 am JST

Favorability ratings for Putin amongst Republicans is up 20% in the past couple of years. They love the guy.

He blames Jews for the problems he caused. That's GOP gold.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

In an interview with American broadcaster NBC News that aired Saturday, Putin also suggested that some of the 13 Russian nationals indicted by the United States may not be ethnically Russian."Maybe they are not even Russians, but Ukrainians, Tatars or Jews, but with Russian citizenship, which should also be checked," he said.

And the mask slips. It's the classic blame the minorities tactic.

Sickening rhetoric from a sickening man.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Definition of American Jews: American.

Definition of Russian Jews: Jews.

No wonder Russia is in such pathetic state.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Putin is learning, from Trump.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Make no mistake. For several years now, a huge swath of American Republicans have felt more kinship to Putin than to American liberals. In their sick and twisted heads, Putin is their friend and Obama is their sworn enemy. That is truly disgusting.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Make no mistake. For several years now, a huge swath of American Republicans have felt more kinship to Putin than to American liberals.

How absurd. Nothing could be further from the truth. The main difference is, most Republicans dwell on it 24/7 while drinking quadruple shots of espresso.

In their sick and twisted heads, Putin is their friend and Obama is their sworn enemy. That is truly disgusting.

Not true at all, but the last statement, most definitely.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Putin is their friend

Putin knows full well how alienated and angry many Americans are. He knows how divided the country is.

The KGB, his former employer, which he now controls, have used a variety of media to send messages and create fake news in attempts to further alienate and anger Americans. 

The Russians have targeted the NRA and US white nationalist groups to spread their messages. Putin’s PR people in the KGB and other Russian organizations have pushed his image as a conservative Christian who’s a paler shade of white. They are adept at using identity politics. They’ve found an American market who’ve easily bought Russian propaganda.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/global-opinions/wp/2017/10/09/how-putins-russia-uses-soviet-era-tricks-to-evoke-racist-white-fears/?utm_term=.d63e4e2a269a

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Bass: How absurd. Nothing could be further from the truth.

With Republicans, Putin polls much higher than Obama. It really is that toxic in your party.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

The KGB, his former employer, which he now controls, have used a variety of media to send messages and create fake news in attempts to further alienate and anger Americans. 

If I were Putin, I'd be angry as well, if I had someone interfere in my home elections the way Hillary did in 2011-12 it's no wonder he wants payback and doesn't care. He's just returning the favor. He succeeded in dividing the country, the liberals are so bent on trying to find something, anything and keep wasting time to go on this witch hunt which has brought then absolutely nothing will continue to do so which will make them look even more desperate than they already are instead of moving on and thinking what policies do they want to campaign on and so far, they don't have an issue to brag about.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

@bas4 hunt which has brought then absolutely nothing w

The US is not the Russia you continue to support. Investigations intended to get to the truth take time. Mueller's not running a Potemkin village.

Americans who supported a candidate like Trump, knowing full well about his alleged criminal past, should not be surprised how deeply Trump, his attorneys and accountants have hidden his family's past business dealings and just accept that it will take time to get all facts out.

Who knows: Trump might might be vindicated.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

bass4funkToday  01:31 pm JST

Make no mistake. For several years now, a huge swath of American Republicans have felt more kinship to Putin than to American liberals.

The main difference is, most Republicans dwell on it 24/7 while drinking quadruple shots of espresso.

I don't think most Republicans are as obsessive as you say, just the ones who are trapped in the right-wing media bubble.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Right wing Americans must applaudung Putin if he had sent agents using nerve gas or radioactive substance to hurt key liberal figures rather than that so called election interference 2016! They want that happen just refrain to do or to say in public!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The US is not the Russia you continue to support.

I support the US and only the US, always have and always will. I just don't support Globalism.

Investigations intended to get to the truth take time. Mueller's not running a Potemkin village. 

No, he's running a circus and a very amusing one.

Americans who supported a candidate like Trump, knowing full well about his alleged criminal past, should not be surprised how deeply Trump, his attorneys and accountants have hidden his family's past business dealings and just accept that it will take time to get all facts out. 

the only people that think that are of course the haters and at this point, more and more people are tuning it out, it's become such a sleeper that the media and the left establishment have nothing better to do than to continue witch hunting and to obstruct, but they themselves have zero policies on which they can campaign on in November. "We oppose Trump" and how will you help America and the middle class? "We will....oppose Trump?" Yes, that will work, forget about policies, think of them as we go along.

Who knows: Trump might might be vindicated.

And more than likely not even be indicted.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

I don't think most Republicans are as obsessive as you say, just the ones who are trapped in the right-wing media bubble.

Like Billy Crystal and George Will? Yeah, probably.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Bass: If I were Putin, I'd be angry as well...it's no wonder he wants payback and doesn't care...he's just returning the favor.

Like I said, Putin polls high with Trump supporters. All because Trump tells them to.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Not at all, I don’t know a single Trump supporter that thinks about Putin other than that he is a muderous thug. Now the Democrats and what is appearing to seem more and more like a strong connection, that is veeeery interesting. More to come...

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

the same entitled whiners with no coping skills STILL can't get over the fact they lost.

This goes deeper than politics. This is a liberal psychosis that social scientists will study for years.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

So all it takes to win the US presidency is 13 fake facebook accounts.

For the fourth time, your countrymen and 62.9 million barely literate, extremely ignorant Trump voters. Why do you always forget this factor, and the tens of millions of dollars and other factors?

Why doesn't the CIA just set up a few facebook accounts in Russia and sway their upcoming election?

You really don't think it has?

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Crazy:

*In their sick and twisted heads, Putin is their friend and Obama is their sworn enemy. *That is truly disgusting.

Bass:

Not true at all, but the last statement, most definitely.

What is truly disgusting?

How absurd. Nothing could be further from the truth. The main difference is, most Republicans dwell on it 24/7 while drinking quadruple shots of espresso

Republicans dwell on something that is far from the truth 24/7 while drinking quadruple shots of espresso?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Why doesn't the CIA just set up a few facebook accounts in Russia and sway their upcoming election?

Trying to sway an "election" that's already decided is futile. Trump and his supporters bellow, "Throw her in jail!" Putin's erstwhile opponents face far worse fates than jail.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Killing or jailing the opposition is how "elections" are won in the Putinocracy...

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Bass: Not at all, I don’t know a single Trump supporter that thinks about Putin other than that he is a muderous thug.

A murderous thug who we shouldn't even criticize for election meddling because by golly, we want good relations and that would just get in the way.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

If I were Putin, I'd be angry as well, if I had someone interfere in my home elections the way Hillary did in 2011-12 it's no wonder he wants payback and doesn't care

We've been over this. Clinton did not interfere in the Russian election, she cast doubt on its legitimacy. You know, after the elections were held, which means she didn't interfere in the election.

Do a little research before posting.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Good Luck, hackers and facebook accounts don't win elections in Russia.

Which you know because of your ability to vote in Russian elections.

Whst does win Russian elections is massive voter fraud and intimidation.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Investigations intended to get to the truth take time. Mueller's not running a Potemkin village. 

No, he's running a circus and a very amusing one.

He seems very competent and methodical. He’s certainly not the type to fire off half-baked trash on Twitter in the early hours.

I thought anyone interested in the truth would appreciate that.

Evidently not.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Trying to sway an "election" that's already decided is futile.

“Sway” an election? Influenced by all means, swaying?? Ask the people of Wisconsin and Michigan and Pennsylvania that, you might get laughed out the room

A murderous thug who we shouldn't even criticize for election meddling because by golly, we want good relations and that would just get in the way.

We’re trying to do the same with NK as well, right? We should just fight everyone? Not a fan of Russia, but with all the other turmoil that’s engulfing the country, picking a fight with Russia isn’t the smartest thing to do.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Not a fan of Russia, but with all the other turmoil that’s engulfing the country, picking a fight with Russia isn’t the smartest thing to do.

Weak. They already picked the fight and the US has put its tail between its legs and run home.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Weak. They already picked the fight and the US has put its tail between its legs and run home.

Yeah, sure. Lol

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Yeah, sure. Lol

I’m surprised to see you admit it. I’ll give you credit for that one, I didn’t expect you would admit trump is weak on this.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Trump supporters have a thing for Putin. He’s the platonic ideal of the Trump they wish they had. At heart, they love a dictator who makes them feel tough and part of a mob. That’s part of the reason they hated Obama. He didn’t give their repressed libidos a chubby the way Putin does.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Yes, just like with the Mueller witch hunt. A Nothing burger that’s trying to make vegan patties.

So you changed your mind on the possibility of Trump getting done on the very serious charge of obstruction?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Trump supporters have a thing for Putin.

And yet, every single day liberals milk it like a cow, they are the ones that are overly and dementedly obsessed with anything Russian.

He’s the platonic ideal of the Trump they wish they had. At heart, they love a dictator who makes them feel tough and part of a mob. That’s part of the reason they hated Obama.

No, he just had some of THE worst policies for the country as well as weak.

So you changed your mind on the possibility of Trump getting done on the very serious charge of obstruction?

I doubt he will, but I believe Mueller will try his best to find something. Throw that chum in. Lol

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

You don't go confront somebody when you don't have anything concrete on them. Mueller can milk the Russian investigation until the end of Trump era. Job security.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

So all it takes to win the US presidency is 13 fake facebook accounts.

Um, what? 13 people doesn't mean just 13 fake accounts. Ya must be new to the internet, lol

I'm one person - do ya realize how many fake accounts I can make? And I don't even have all the resources that the troll factory in St. Petersburg has

Lest we all forget, this is not your garden-variety trolls making up fake personas in the basement to try to illicit reactions on the Web

This is a sophisticated operation where serious time and money and resources were spent to actually buy real people's identities without their knowledge, set up VPN servers in the US, etc. and yes even criminal - stealing real people's SSNs, opening financial accounts under their names, etc. Make no mistake - this is a BIG-time operation

"Russia’s troll identities were more sophisticated than anyone thought"

https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/16/17021684/facebook-twitter-mueller-russia-troll-factory

One of the most surprising lessons of the indictment is just how seriously the Russians took their fake identities. We might associate troll accounts with spam or weird visuals, but at least some of the accounts described by Mueller were backed up by full-scale identity theft. According to the indictment, defendants used stolen Social Security numbers to build entire false personas, complete with fraudulent photo IDs and PayPal accounts. Crucially, the stolen Social Security numbers meant all of it was happening in a real US citizen’s name. If anyone looked into the person behind the account, they’d see a long paper trail and plenty of government-issued verification to settle their suspicions.

Even the troll’s internet activity would have looked normal from the outside. According to the indictment, one of the first things the Internet Research Agency did was establish a VPN (or virtual private network) within US borders, allowing them to route all activity through a Stateside intermediary. To anyone in the US, it would have looked like an American citizen visiting a real-name account from an American IP address.

That’s a big shift from how we’ve thought of Russian interference for the past year, and it makes things much harder for Facebook, Twitter, and the rest of the internet. When tech companies were called before Congress in November, the focus was on the most obvious troll activity. There were political ads bought in rubles and accounts maintained from Russian IP addresses. Facebook and Twitter were clearly unprepared for an influence campaign of this scale, but the threat seemed equally haphazard. How hard is it to flag Russian IP addresses?

Stopping this kind of fake account is much harder, and it cuts at the heart of how identity works on networks like Facebook. We know how to look for malware or scams, but these accounts weren’t doing anything out of bounds for a regular user. We know how to look for bots, but these accounts were directed by real humans. We know how to verify identities, but with a photo ID and a valid Social Security number, these trolls would have passed every verification test in the industry. It takes effort to establish this kind of identity, which means you can’t run millions at once — but with the viral lift from a social network, you don’t have to.

So to anyone outside, the trolls just look like other Americans posting in America

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Trump has just changed his tune from "there's no Russian involvement and thus no collusion" to "just no collusion" (accepting that Russia started their anti-US campaign in 2014)

And now Putin too - he changed his tune from there's no Russian meddling to no longer denying there's Russian meddling but it's not connected to the Russian government

But then, why doesn't Putin investigate the St. Petersburg troll factory then, since what they're doing is implicating the Russian government? If Putin is really serious about clearing the Russian government's name, then he should do something about the troll factory.

Then again, it's actually the Dutch intelligence who outed Russia to the Americans - they hacked Russia and accidentally had a front row seat, lol

"Dutch intelligence had a front-row seat to Russian DNC hack"

https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/26/dutch-intelligence-election-hacks/

And according to an investigation by Dutch media, the national intelligence agency of the Netherlands, AIVD, watched the whole thing play out. Anonymous American and Dutch sources tell the story of the AIVD infiltrating the computer network of a Moscow university building -- a network which just so happened to be used by Russian hacking group Cozy Bear, aka APT29.

The AIVD initially gained access to the network in the summer of 2014. It wasn't until later, though, that they observed attacks on the Democratic Party and the copying of emails and documents that were later leaked to the public. The AIVD alerted their US counterparts, opening a line of communication and evidence-sharing that was allegedly key to the FBI launching investigations into Russia's influence over the presidential election. During the time the AIVD had access to the network, which is said to be up to two and a half years, the agency witnessed various keyboard battles between Cozy Bear and US gatekeepers, including attacks on the State Department.

And it wasn't just network traffic the AIVD is said to have been spying on. Apparently, the agency knew the actual room in the university building Cozy Bear was operating out of and hacked into the security camera feed watching the corridor outside. The AIVD documented the hackers' comings and goings, including pictures of those involved, and subsequently concluded Cozy Bear was tied directly to Russia's foreign intelligence service SVR.

And all because the AIVD stumbled upon a network that ended up being a goldmine of intelligence.

So, it was the Dutch hacked into Russia and saw it as it happened, even hacked the security camera, lol

Since now that we know how they got the information, Russia put a stop to the Dutch hack

1 ( +3 / -2 )

We've been over this. 

Yes, we have.

https://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/clinton-putin-226153

You clearly did not read that article. It shows that Clinton criticized the Russian election AFTER the election was concluded, which means she didn't interfere in anything.

Do a little research before posting.

Always.

Apparently not.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I usually always do. Between him and here, there’s no love loss and as much and as evil the man is, it’s understandable that he has such a deep hatered and resentment.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I usually always do. Between him and here, there’s no love loss and as much and as evil the man is, it’s understandable that he has such a deep hatered and resentment.

Just not this time. If someone is critical of the results of an election, they are not interfering with the elections.

*With the protesters accusing Putin of having rigged recent elections, the Russian leader pointed an angry finger at Clinton, who had issued a statement sharply critical of the voting results. *

https://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/clinton-putin-226153

This means your assertion:

If I were Putin, I'd be angry as well, if I had someone interfere in my home elections the way Hillary did in 2011-12 it's no wonder he wants payback and doesn't care

is false.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

 Not a fan of Russia, but with all the other turmoil that’s engulfing the country, picking a fight with Russia isn’t the smartest thing to do.

But picking a fight with the DPRK is smart. Right. Got it.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Just not this time. If someone is critical of the results of an election, they are not interfering with the elections.

No, this time as well, every news outlet had reported on this and Putin’s personal hatred of Hillary was so apparent that he wanted to return the favor in spades and he succeeded.

But picking a fight with the DPRK is smart. Right. Got it

Of course not, but we wouldn’t be in the situation if Kim wouldn’t be doing what he’s doing, threatening our allies and threatening us, yeah, that would be considered picking a fight and a very deadly one at that.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Of course not, but we wouldn’t be in the situation if Kim wouldn’t be doing what he’s doing

NK: We'll destroy America (does nothing).

Trump: Get them!

Russia actively attacks US

Trump: ...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

No, this time as well, every news outlet had reported on this and Putin’s personal hatred of Hillary was so apparent that he wanted to return the favor in spades and he succeeded.

Every news outlet reported that Putin Hayes Clinton because Clinton commented in the legitimacy of an election that was concluded. You asserted Clinton meddled in the election.

So, one more time from the link you provided:

With the protesters accusing Putin of having rigged recent elections, the Russian leader pointed an angry finger at **Clinton, who had issued a statement sharply critical of the voting results**. 

https://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/clinton-putin-226153

Of course not, but we wouldn’t be in the situation if Kim wouldn’t be doing what he’s doing, threatening our allies and threatening us, yeah, that would be considered picking a fight and a very deadly one at that.

We're talking about the US picking fights, not the DPRK.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Why is it that Trump and the right are so afraid of Russia that they won't even criticize them for attacking their country?

Weak. Pure and utter weakness. Just goes to show that this president talks tough, but is actually the weakest post-war president out there. All bluster, no balls.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Why is it that Trump and the right are so afraid of Russia that they won't even criticize them for attacking their country?

Weak. Pure and utter weakness. Just goes to show that this president talks tough, but is actually the weakest post-war president out there. All bluster, no balls.

Not only are they too weak to criticize Russia, they bend time to make up an excuse for Putin. To conservatives, criticizing the outcome of an election is the same as meddling in the election.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@bas4 Putin’s personal hatred of Hillary 

Seems to match up with the hatred expressed by some in the extremist faction of US rightists and evangelicals who believe their fellow Americans, those Americans with perspectives different from theirs, are the enemy, and somehow Putin and his Russian oligarchs aren't.

But then that extremist faction of US rightists and evangelicals supports anti-democracy measures and have said they want US systems taken down and replaced by one led by their political messiah.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Every news outlet reported that Putin Hayes Clinton because Clinton commented in the legitimacy of an election that was concluded. You asserted Clinton meddled in the election.

The election wasn’t concluded.

Former U.S. officials who worked on Russia policy with Clinton say that Putin was personally stung by Clinton’s December 2011 condemnation of Russia’s parliamentary elections, and had his anger communicated directly to President Barack Obama. They say Putin and his advisers are also keenly aware that, even as she executed Obama’s “reset” policy with Russia, Clinton took a harder line toward Moscow than others in the administration. 

Weak. Pure and utter weakness. Just goes to show that this president talks tough, but is actually the weakest post-war president out there. All bluster, no balls.

I really don’t think so, I think for what reason does Trump have to make Russia a higher priority over NK? Not undermining the possible threat, but I think Russia isn’t as volatile as NK at the moment.

@PT

You're joking, right? ROFL! Too funny.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I really don’t think so, I think for what reason does Trump have to make Russia a higher priority over NK? 

NK: hasn’t attacked the US.

Russia: has

but I get it. Your team figures it’s better to appease Russia. Fair enough, but I call it weak.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I think Russia isn’t as volatile as NK at the moment.

Yeah it’s not like Russia just stated they have missiles that can strike anywhere and there is no defence against them, showing an example of missiles hitting Florida. After having already attacked the US. No threat there... or at least if you’re too afraid, you pretend there’s no threat there.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The election wasn’t concluded.

Fact check yourself - the election she criticized was concluded:

When mass protests against Russian President Vladimir Putin erupted in Moscow in December 2011, Putin made clear who he thought was really behind them: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

With the protesters accusing Putin of having rigged recent elections, the Russian leader pointed an angry finger at Clinton, who had issued a statement sharply critical of the voting results. “She said they were dishonest and unfair,”

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The election wasn’t concluded.

And, for a third time:

**Clinton, who had issued a statement sharply critical of the voting results. **

https://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/clinton-putin-226153

0 ( +1 / -1 )

NK: hasn’t attacked the US.

They have in cyber attacks more than on one occasion.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-4240748

Russia: has True, but Russia is not constantly and consistently threatening us to blow us to pieces.

but I get it. Your team figures it’s better to appease Russia. Fair enough, but I call it weak.

Thats Ok. I call it: nothing important now, NK is a far more bigger fish to fry.

*Clinton, who had issued a statement sharply critical of the voting results.

Not really...

http://time.com/4422723/putin-russia-hillary-clinton/

In December 2011, Vladimir Putin came closer than he’s ever been to losing his hold on power. His decision that year to run for a third term as Russia’s President had inspired a massive protest movement against him. Demonstrations calling for him to resign were attracting hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Some of his closest allies had defected to the opposition, causing a split in the Kremlin elites, and Russian state media had begun to warn of a revolution in the making.

At a crisis meeting with his advisers on Dec. 8 of that year, the Russian leader chose to lay the blame on one meddling foreign diplomat: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Russia: has True, but Russia is not constantly and consistently threatening us to blow us to pieces.

Which state was in Putin's video getting ready to be nuked?

but I get it. Your team figures it’s better to appease Russia. Fair enough, but I call it weak.

Your team colluded with Russia.

Not really...

http://time.com/4422723/putin-russia-hillary-clinton/

Yes, really. After parliamentary elections, before the presidential election. Read your links before you post them.

Not to mention that commenting on elections is far different than direct meddling.

. . ,

At a crisis meeting with his advisers on Dec. 8 of that year, the Russian leader chose to lay the blame on one meddling foreign diplomat: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Oh, I see. Because Uncle Vkad said so, it is. Got it. So you have zero evidence other than who Putin decided to blame for your assertion.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Tough talking conservatives giving defense to Russia. Its the new normal.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Pure weakness. Russia has attacked their political system, getting them to turn on each other, threatened that they could blow up anywhere in the US if they wanted to, giving Florida as an example, and they have nukes.

But they are too scared of Russia, so they remain weak and pretend NK is a bigger threat than the country that’s already hurt them.

Weak.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

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